If you're a trekking enthusiast looking for a change of scenery, maybe it's time to forego the usual mountain trails and forest hikes for a change of scenery. Test your fitness and endurance level under the hot desert sun.

Trekking the desert trail is nothing like your usual hiking experience. Instead, it's a trip that is sure to put your survival skills to the test. You'll be walking miles of sand dunes by day and setting up camp in a desert oasis by night. Are you prepared for an adventure like no other? Here's what you'll need to get started on that desert adventure:

Water filter: You'll be miles away from civilization over the course of the desert trek, so a micro-filter or water purifying system is an absolute must. Anything lightweight and portable will help you stay well-hydrated during those long days and nights. The Katadyn Mini Ceramic Microfilter easily fits into a waist pack or backpack and can help you keep up with your water supply.

Trekking socks: Some desert trekking enthusiasts insist on walking over sand barefoot, but if you're not quite so adventurous, you'll need a pair of sturdy shoes and socks for support. Trekking socks are designed to absorb moisture and keep the heat as far from your skin as possible. The Coolmax Trail Running socks from Thorlo are designed for usual trekking and trail walking, but can easily fit into your desert hiking shoes or boots to provide some extra protection. You'll need these to push on through those brutally hot days in the desert sun, and the thicker varieties will provide some extra cushioning and support on those long days of walking.

Lightweight tent: You'll need a lightweight, easy-to-assemble tent to set up camp for the night, and anything designed with a cross-ventilation system will help you ward off those sleepless nights when temperatures continue to rise after sundown. The Black Diamond Eldorado tent features a mesh window for better ventilation, and this model is also a cinch to set up. Just pack yourself in with a lightweight sleeping bag and you'll enjoy a night of restful sleep under the stars.

When talking about Africa, most people immediately think of safaris which involve hunters going after lions, tigers and other big game animals. That doesn't mean, however, that those who live for sport fishing should pass up a chance to visit this beautiful continent, especially the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba.

Part of the United Republic of Tanzania, the waters between Zanzibar and Pemba present anglers with a variety of year-round fishing opportunities, including the barracuda, the speedy Wahoo and the giant Travally. Catching any one of these beauties means a great trophy to hang on your wall back home.

If you schedule a vacation between August and October, that's the perfect time to drop a line and catch some Yellowfin Tuna. If you are fortunate enough to hook one of these strong fish, they make excellent trophies and an even better meal.

You can't make the long journey to Africa without trying to land some of the billfish that hang around Pemba Island. If you schedule your fishing expedition for the months between November and March, test your skills against the Black, Blue and Striped Marlins.

Many fishing enthusiasts agree that the Broadbill requires quite a bit of strength and skill once you have one on the line. Although they bear little resemblance to Australian actor Russell Crowe, this fighting fish has earned the nickname "Gladiator of the Sea." When going up against this "Gladiator," make sure to wear a durable pair of Sperry Top-Siders.

Zanzibar also attracts many undersea divers each year, and if you head below the surface, you may catch a glimpse of whales, humpback dolphins and other marine life.

Getting to Zanzibar requires a little coordination, however. One recommended method is booking an international flight into the Dar es Salaam region and a connecting flight to the islands. You also can catch a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar after you land.

With tropical scenery and sea creatures that put up a real fight, pack your passport and gear and head to Zanzibar. It's one place where you won't mind picking up the bill, especially if it's attached to a fish.

Sources:

http://www.rasnungwi.com/fishing/deep_sea_fishing/
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishwatch/species/pac_yellowfin_tuna.htm
http://www.zanzibar.net/

Mountain climbing isn't always as treacherous in the United States as it is overseas, but there is always the exception to the rule. Take, for instance, Mt. McKinley, which is located in Denali National Park in Alaska. McKinley is the highest peak in all of North America, and despite its unmistakable beauty, this mountain is one of the most dangerous climbs you could ever attempt.

The main issue with Mt. McKinley, of course, is the temperature. You expect freezing weather in Alaska, but the summits of this particular mountain go beyond mere frigidity. Temperatures of -50 degrees C are not unheard of, and the lowest recorded temperatures are far below that. In order to fair well on Mt. McKinley, you'll need to dress with the intention of keeping all your fingers and toes intact.

In addition to a heavy thermal coat, long underwear, a hat that protects your ears and thermal pants, you'll also want to protect your feet. This is probably the downfall of most climbers who attempt to ascend and wind up in a hospital.

The EuroSock Ascent Wool is a good choice because it provides warmth, ankle support and moisture management, while increasing circulation. Socks intended for skiing, snow-boarding and mountain-climbing are usually your best bet.

It is also important to remember that, when conquering America's highest peak, you have to deal with the nasty side effects of such high altitude. Altitude sickness is more common than you might imagine on Mt. McKinley, because climbers underestimate the need to prepare.

Before you leave, make sure you are able to tolerate the loss of oxygen and moisture in the air. On your hike, watch for signs of altitude sickness in both yourself and the people around you; if someone seems to be falling ill, an immediate descent is necessary. No one needs to die just because you want to be able to say you climbed Mt. McKinley.

Of course, the main summit of Mt. McKinley provides one of the most beautiful views in the world, and you'll have an opportunity to see enormous glaciers up close. Just be aware that preparation is needed to climb this particular mountain, so make plans before you start packing your gear.

I lived in Cincinnati, Ohio for 10 years. During that time, especially when I was attending university, I walked many of the state's trails. The best trail in Ohio is The Buckeye Trail. It's absolutely huge (almost 1,500 miles long) and hits every part of the state at least once. It starts in Cincinnati where two different forks go north and east, goes through a national park in Cleveland, continues on up through the rest of the state and ends at Lake Erie. On its way up the two forks, the Buckeye Trail also goes through Medina, Loveland, Shawnee, Troy, Defiance and Akron, just to name a few towns.

The Buckeye Trail is easy to follow as it's marked by what they call 'blue blazes.' These are blue painted marks that are on trees and signposts all the way along the trail. I've walked the Loveland part of the trail, which actually starts in the Eden Park area of Cincinnati. It goes through city streets here (which is cooler than it sounds as there are some beautiful old houses in this area of Cincinnati), then winds through Little Miami State Park, continues along the riverbank and passes King's Island Amusement Park. It ends up at an Indian earthworks and museum that's very interesting to stop and visit if you have the time.

You can also do the Circuit Hike on the Buckeye Trail, which means you can walk the whole thing. At almost 1,500 miles long though, it would take you a few weeks and a excellent pair of hiking boots to complete, especially if you're hiking during the summer months when Ohio gets very humid. You, of course, wouldn't want to hike the trail past the beginning of October as Ohio gets supremely cold in winter with the weather quickly changing to sleet, snow and ice.

Ohio, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. During the spring and summer, the countryside is green and full of flowers. It's also hilly in many areas so you'll get a great workout while hiking. The Buckeye Trail runs through pretty countryside, where you'll see rivers, waterfalls, gorgeous foliage and wild flowers, raccoons, deer, rabbits and more.

For more information on the Buckeye Trail in Ohio, check out the Buckeye Trail's website.

There are plenty of places to go mountain climbing in the United States, but few are as beautiful - or as treacherous - as California. The Sierra Nevada range is chocked-full of mountains that range from rocky to grassy and from tall to broad, and Mount Williamson is the second highest of them all.

Standing at an elevation of 14,389 feet, most people climb Mount Williamson via the west side route from Shepherd's Pass. Unfortunately, the access routes to Mount Williamson are often closed, and early summer is about the only time this mountain is accessible to the general public.

Many of the mountains I've written about in the past are difficult because of their rocky faces or particularly icy routes toward the summit. Mount Williamson is different, however, in that the ascent isn't particularly treacherous. It is the sheer length of the climb that makes this mountain worth a notch on your belt.

First, the winding, forest-flanked trail that leads to the mountain is just over 11 miles long, which means that many climbers are exhausted by the time they even begin their ascent. The trip up gains about 8,000 feet total, which decreases oxygen supply and really puts pressure on those leg muscles. It isn't for the faint of heart.

You'll also have to make it across the treacherous Williamson Bowl, which is carved by numerous glaciers that remain difficult to traverse through the late spring. The mountainside itself will seem like a picnic after what you endured to make it there, but always remember that you have to go back after you've descended the mountain.

Since much of your climb to and up Mount Williamson will not be shaded by trees or other vegetation, sun exposure is an important consideration. Make sure that you bring sufficient sun block for your entire party, and you might want to bring a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from sun and wind.

The Ugg Crochet Cowboy Hat is an excellent choice for women, while the Greg Norman Straw Hat is a great pick for men.

You'll also want to bring along a tent and a sleeping bag for camping at Anvil, and an ice pick or axe if you plant to be climbing during the early part of the year.

When you think about taking a beach vacation with the family, a number of destinations probably pop into your head: Palm Springs, Destin, Miami, Myrtle Beach, and the list goes on. The problem, of course, is that these well-known tourist magnets are as expensive as they are popular, which can really ruin a vacation if you're looking to have some fun.

A few years ago, my wife and I decided to take our first vacation in about ten years, and instead of running toward one of these famous beach vacation spots, we opted instead for the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Most people don't think of the Yellowhammer State for its white sand and clear blue waters, but that is exactly what we found.

One of the most exciting things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is snorkeling. The water is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom if you're anywhere near the shore, and you'll find that the best shells are actually in the water rather than on the beach.

You can also go kayaking, whale-watching, hiking, beach walking and participate in tons of other adventures that you'd find in any other beach-front community. Best of all, however, Gulf Shores is much cheaper than Palm Springs or Miami, and you get the same glorious views with about a quarter of the tourists. Just make sure you bring plenty of sun block and treat yourself to a new pair of Crocs for the occasion.

The best time to visit Gulf Shores is in the late summer when the meager tourist season dies out almost completely. You can score a beautiful condo on the beach for less than $900 for an entire week.

Since this local isn't as populated or popular as some of the other beach destinations in the U.S., there are fewer restaurants and businesses. However, if you rent a condo or beach house for your stay, you can use the full kitchen provided and cook your own meals to eat on the beach.

Gulf Shores, Alabama might not seem as exciting or exotic as some of the other beach vacation spots, but it's certainly just as much fun. And, if you find you can't keep busy enough, Florida is literally a few miles away, so you can always escape to more populated areas.

For hunters, Alaska represents a lot more than just a popular cruise destination or the setting for the whimsical television series "Northern Exposure." The 49th state also serves as the home for some of the best trophy animals in North America, in particular Dall sheep.

Typically found in the mountains and on steep slopes, the Dall is a snow white creature that has a beautifully shaped horn. Mature males have ones that curl into a circle, while the horns of the females are somewhat smaller and not quite as curved. By counting the markings on the horns, you can even determine the age of the Dall that you bring down.

Many hunters agree that the best places to find the Dall sheep are the mountains in the Brooks Range; this means that you'll have to do quite a bit of hiking and climbing to find the trophy you want. It's never too early to start training for this kind of hunt. Book some extra time on the Stairmaster before you go.

To carry what you need into the mountains, it's a good idea to invest in a sturdy, multi-purpose backpack like the Kelty Bison 3300. This pack is rugged enough for Alaskan hunting and has enough storage space to hold supplies and bad weather gear.

You can go after Dall sheep from mid-August to mid-September, but you do need a tag in some areas (approximately $425) and a license ($85). Several local guides will, for a fee, take you into the Brooks Range and help make arrangements to ship your trophy back home.

A good way to start your hunting experience is by flying into Fairbanks and catching an air taxi into the Brooks Range. You can find plenty of top-notch accommodations in Fairbanks, but you will be camping outdoors during your time in the mountains.

Going after Dall sheep could be one of the most challenging experiences of your life. With all the backpacking and hauling you will be doing, you should be able to skip a few trips to the gym after you get back home.

Resources:

http://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/biggame/dallshee.php
http://www.alaskaone.com/brooks-range/

Mention Australia to the average person and they probably will think of three things: kangaroos, koalas and Michael J. "Crocodile" Dundee, the rugged outdoorsman played by comedian Paul Hogan in a popular series of films. The Dundee character, who lived in Australia's Northern Territory, earned his nickname after allegedly surviving a crocodile attack.

For climbers, the Northern Territory offers something more enticing than a wisecracking crocodile fighter, namely the destination called Mount Uluru. Also known as Ayers Rock, this mountain attracts thousands of visitors each year, many of whom are bound and determined to climb to the top of this unique formation.

Located in Uluru, Kata Tjuta National Park, Ayers Rock is just 986 feet, but the climb to the top is fairly steep, even for a veteran climber. Though it looks like an easy mountain to tackle from the ground, some people have died from heart failure during the climb.

Besides the physical challenges, there are other roadblocks that could interfere with your plans to visit Mount Uluru. The Anangu people are the owners and guardians of this rock formation, and they consider it sacred. They have posted signs asking tourists to please keep off the mountain.

Despite the expressed wishes of the Anangu, there are no laws preventing you from climbing Ayers Rock. It's not uncommon to see enthusiasts heading up Uluru, but the decision to climb is up to you and your conscience.

If Ayers Rock is too strong for you to resist, make sure to invest in a good pair of climbing shoes, such as Boreal Ace. With a pair of Aces on your feet, you should be able to reach the top and get a bird's-eye view of the Northern Territory.

Australia is a land of natural wonders, not the least of which is the beautiful Mount Uluru. You may not see Paul Hogan tossing another "shrimp on the Barbie," but for those who take their chances on Ayers Rock, the experience can be memorable.

Sources:

http://www.outback-australia-travel-secrets.com/climbing-ayers-rock-uluru.html
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/uluru/

Big Bend National Park, in southwest Texas, is in the middle of nowhere, but that's a good thing. Big Bend National Park has more than 150 miles of phenomenal hiking trails, which is great for people who like being out in the real wilderness. The terrain in Big Bend is your typical Texas desert: wild and isolated. If you're going hiking here, you're going to need to take food, water, a tent, camping supplies, a medical kit and enough oil for a few days in the desert. Plan on camping out at night or heading to one of the small towns 40 to 70 miles away for a night in a motel.

Big Bend is such an enormous park that it is split up into different areas; east side, west side, north end and mountain. All have amazing hiking trails. Choosing one just depends on which direction you enter the park. The park has a lot of self-guided trails, and booklets and maps for each trail can be bought at the park tourist centers for as little as 25 cents. The Lost Mine Trail sounds really fun, as does the Hot Springs Historic District and the Window Trail. You can easily hike all of these in one day.

Big Bend National Park also has backcountry hikes for those who are not faint of heart. These trails pretty much require an off-road vehicle to get there. Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail is a 6.6-mile roundtrip, backcountry trail and Pine Canyon Trail is just 4 miles long. You can also do overnight hikes if you want to camp out in the desert somewhere, but you really need to understand the desert at night before you do this.

Another cool thing about Big Bend National Park is that the bones of a pterosaur, a Jurassic-type flying creature, were found here. The pterosaur is the second-largest flying creature ever found. How totally cool would it be if you found another one!

The National Park service has an excellent web site on Big Bend. Go to http://www.nps.gov/bibe/ to check out all the hiking trails and how to get to each one.

Some people are simply more comfortable on the water than on dry land and feel pulled toward oceanic adventures, like a paper clip to a magnet. This is why, when looking for outdoor vacation ideas, it's important to consider destinations that include open water.

For example, whale watching is one of the most popular sea-faring adventures in the United States. Rather than challenging your physical strengths, it instead fulfills a sense of wonder and may even inspire a career in marine biology. Whenever I'm visiting friends on the east or west coast, this is an activity I try to fit into my schedule.

The best thing about whale watching is that no two trips are ever exactly the same. You might see six blue whales on one trip, and then see nothing but pods of dolphins on your next. Of course, there might be times when no sightings occur, but many whale-watching outfitters will give you free tickets for a future excursion if this happens.

The types of whales you see when whale watching will depend on which part of the country you are in. Blue whales, for example, are common off the west coast, while dolphins often make an appearance in Galveston Harbor.

Of course, you'll need to dress appropriately before you head out on a boat, whether it's a cruise ship or a dinghy. Even if the sun is hot on the beach, oceanic winds can leave you wishing you'd brought a jacket for your trip.

You'll also need a heavy-duty bag that won't be ruined if you have to set it on a wet boat deck. The Timbuk 2 Metro has a padded shoulder straps and a waterproof vinyl interior, which make it perfect for lugging around that expensive camera you bought for your whale-watching trip.

Whale-watching outfitters vary significantly in both price and amenities. Make sure you do your research before heading out on the water. If the boat crew provides champagne and snacks while you're aboard, you'll probably pay a steep price for those luxuries. Look for whale-watching trips where you can have fun looking at the marine life without blowing your entire vacation budget.

To farmers, the Eared Dove (Zenaida Auriculata) of Argentina can become a major nuisance, causing millions of dollars of crop damage each year. For hunters, however, this speedy little bird presents one of the most enjoyable big-bag shooting opportunities in the world.

As numerous as pigeons in the United States, these doves apparently live only to eat and mate, which is not bad work if you can get it. Although rabbits breed approximately 5 times a year, the busy Eared Dove can reproduce up to 7 times in 12 months, as long as there is enough food in the surrounding area.

With millions of doves in the region, the serious wingshooter should consider taking a hunting trip to the city of Cordoba. Because the Department of Agriculture considers this bird to be a pest, Argentina's government has no set limits on how many Eared Doves you can shoot while you are visiting Cordoba.

With no bag limits and a sky filled with beautiful birds, hunters in Cordoba reportedly fire between 1,000 and 2,000 rounds in a single day. When the Eared Doves are flying thick and heavy, it's pretty easy to spend a day just aiming, shooting and reloading.

Although Cordoba has very pleasant weather for most of the year, the summer months (January through March) are among the best times to travel to this hunting paradise. Rain is fairly common in the evening, though, so packing a waterproof jacket along with the rifle is a good strategic move.

Traveling to Cordoba by air does require a little planning, though. Instead of a direct flight, consider flying into the capital city of Buenos Aires and then catch a connecting flight to Cordoba. Thanks to its reputation as a dove hunting paradise, Cordoba has some great hunting lodges where you can relax after a successful day of big-bag shooting. Many hotels and lodges also have Internet connections if you need to reconnect with the outside world.

With beautiful surroundings and plenty of winged targets, hunting the Eared Dove in Cordoba is almost like shooting fish in a barrel.

Resources:

http://www.argentinadovehunting.com/argentinagamebirds.htm
http://www.cordobadovehunting.com/dove-hunting-tips.html
http://www.gaje.org/Conf06/TravelToCordoba.htm

Although there are plenty of mountains to climb in the United States, experienced and adventurous climbers might prefer to leave the U.S. behind in favor of foreign conquests. One of the most treacherous obstacles is the Eiger, which is located in the Swiss Alps and has claimed 60 lives since 1935.

Eiger's most difficult challenge lies in the Nordwand, or the north face, of the mountain, which is also the most popular goal for modern climbers. Although it isn't as technically complicated as many of the other Alpine faces, a considerable amount of yearly rock fall and ice makes it dangerous.

In fact, the Nordwand is often called the Mordwand by locals, which translates as "murder wall." This certainly isn't the climb for beginners seeking experience.

Because the number of deaths due to climbing and rock fall has increased significantly in the last couple of decades, climbing Eiger isn't always the brightest idea. You should have significant climbing experience before attempting this type of climb, and you should be capable of carrying sufficient equipment to get out of a tight situation.

It is also important to note that most people prefer to climb Eiger during the winter months, because a hardened shell of ice decreases the chances of injury by rock fall. The elevation and the general climate of this area are treacherous in itself, so you'll need to be prepared for winter emergencies. Your first aid kit should include everything from matches to moleskin to EMT sheers, just in case something goes wrong.

Before you decide to climb Eiger, make sure that you've chosen the most ideal weather conditions for your trek, preferably a high-pressure system with little chance for precipitation. If you don't live in the area, you can use the Internet for research, or you can contact a local outfitter to keep you posted.

Eiger is certainly one of the most exciting climbs in the world, despite the fact that there are numerous peaks far more technically difficult. If you attempt this climb, it is always best to do so with someone more experienced than yourself.

Living in California, I often visit Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is known for its boating, camping, horseback riding, skiing and, of course, hiking. It's a beautiful area of the country with some of the prettiest hiking trails but the Tahoe Rim Trail is the nicest of them all. This trail is huge, more than 160 miles long, and it's absolutely one of California's best.

The Tahoe Rim Trail runs in a loop, so you can start at any point on the trail, and if you walk long enough (about a week should get you all the way around,) you will come back to where you started from. The best place to join the trail though is at one of the trailheads - Brockway, Tahoe Meadows, Spooner Summit, Barker Pass, Echo Summit, Big Meadow or Kingsbury Grade - any of these trail heads are perfect spots to start your hike. Don't forget though, take the right gear with you and wear the right clothes. The Tahoe Rim Trail is a wilderness hike and you could end up walking for miles without seeing anyone, so you want to make sure you're outfitted properly for it. I say you might not meet anyone, but you also do need to be on the lookout for mountain bikers and folks riding horses. Both are allowed on the trail so make sure you've always got your wits about you so you can hear them coming.

The Lake Tahoe area really is something. You've got the crystal blue water of the lake, the clear blue sky with hardly a cloud in sight on most days and mountains that are still covered in snow in June. There are also carpets of wildflowers that make this place the closest place to heaven you can find. Don't forget too, if you're a dog lover, you can take Fido on the Tahoe Rim Trail. You just have to keep him on a leash or within the sound of your voice - no running off for him or the U.S. Forest Service will collect him and lock him up.

Best time to hike around Lake Tahoe is between end of May and beginning of September. Stay away during winter as the snow comes down very fast, and the trail will disappear, leaving you stranded and feeling like a popsicle. Save the hikes for the spring and summer months and enjoy the lovely weather and the amazing views. You can't beat this trail.

With the very real possibility of high altitude sickness and hypothermia, Mother Nature makes some mountains potentially deadly for climbers. In addition to these natural hazards, Mount Llullaillaco, a dormant volcano, also has some hidden dangers that could literally cause you to go to pieces.

Llullaillaco, whose name translates as "murky water", is the fifth highest volcano in the world, with the last reported eruption occurring in the 19th Century. Located at the border of Chile and Argentina, this mountain also contains several antipersonnel mines, a leftover from an earlier conflict between the two countries surrounding it.

The peak has some real historical significance as well. In 1999, archaeologists found the well-preserved bodies of three young Inca children at the top. Scientists have determined that the youngsters, who have since been dubbed "The Children of Llullaillaco," were left there as a sacrifice to the gods 500 years ago.

With icy climbing conditions and the mines lurking on the mountain, you definitely should seek the help of local authorities before tackling Llullaillaco. On SummitPost.org, climber Fabrice Rimlinger recommends contacting the Chilean National Parks and Wildlife Service (CONAF) for guidance.

Though you can approach the mountain from either Chile or Argentina, Rimlinger also points out that there is no public transportation to Llullaillaco, which means that you will have to do quite a bit of driving before and after the climb. The camping facilities also are pretty basic, making this more of a rugged journey even for an experienced climber.

Reaching a height of 22,000 feet, climbing Llullaillaco also means conditioning your body for the thinner air as you approach the peak. To cross the ice fields and snow, you definitely will need an ice axe, crampons and some high-altitude boots.

With all the preparation it takes to reach the top, Mount Llullaillaco definitely is not for the casual climber. If you are willing to take the time to get ready, climbing this volcano is a unique experience. Always remember, though, that on Llullaillaco, stepping in the wrong spot can have explosive consequences.

Resources:

http://www.peakware.com/peaks.html?pk=1197
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/184475/llullaillaco.html
http://www.mundoandino.com/Chile/Llullaillaco
http://www.washintonpost.com/wp-srv/national/daily/april99/mummies07.htm

It's not every day you get to skip the office for a getaway to the great outdoors, unless you're a free-spirited nomad, but that's worthy of an entirely different post.

When it's time to head off on a camping adventure, packing smart is essential to survival. No matter what those glossy, nature-lover magazines will tell you, camping isn't always a peaceful vacation where you experience the fresh mountain air or catch a glimpse of exotic wildlife and plants in a nearby forest.

A real camping trip is an adventure, a test of man (or woman) vs. nature, a chance to put your survival skills to the test and embrace your free-spirited persona.

You might brave a night of stormy weather, endure an ant attack, or getting through those long days in the company of bears and beasts in the area. You're not truly prepared for the adventure without some basic survival gear.

First thing first; setting up a safe and secure tent. If you're braving it on your own, you'll need a flexible and sturdy tent that will hold you over no matter what the night's forecast looks like. The North Face Roadrunner is a great three-season tent that's actually fit for two; it's also super-light, which means you can enjoy a few hours of hiking and trekking while toting this one along in a backpack.

Next, you'll need a cozy sleeping bag. Wrap yourself up tight in the North Face Chrysalis Bx, a goose-down number, which will keep you plenty warm on those cold, dark nights. This one also features a glow-in-the-dark, no-snag zipper so you'll never get stuck, which is an essential feature when you encounter a "bear emergency" on any given night.

How do you navigate through those dark and stormy nights? Take along a Brunton Glorb Lantern to serve as your guiding light. This butane lantern is designed with a foldout base and turns into a candle lantern at a moment's notice. It's a great addition to your candlelight, campsite dinner, no?

When you're ready to battle nature and get through the camping adventure like a true, free spirit, prepare for the event with these survival essentials.